From time to time in this space, WestBow Presspublishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. The following are the words of Judy Janowski author of “Life is a Garden Party.”Click here to receive a free publishing guide and to receive more information on self-publishing your book with WestBow Press.

Life Is a Garden Party is a book about gardening, yes, but in actuality it’s a 3-in-1: 1.) a gardening observation 2.) with a spiritual application and supporting scriptures 3.) in rhyme. Each story has two poems so you could say it’s a two-for-the-price-of-one or buy-one-get-one-free. A real bargain in today’s world.

Judy Janowski poses with her book.

One summer I was visiting with a neighbor who was nearing 80 (now he’s looking on 90). He said something that transposed in my mind as from dawn to dusk. That phrase was stuck in my head for a few days. Being the 4th of July and having a bit of sun poisoning, I sat outside to write it down. “From Dawn to Dusk” was the first poem I wrote. I soon had a small, used notebook full of poems.

That July was too hot and humid to work in the yard so I sat in front of the fan transferring what was handwritten to the computer where it morphed into an observation with an application without any forethought. My brain would not shut off. I got up early, stayed up late, wrote in the middle of the night but then couldn’t read what I had written in the morning. The title came to me one day when I was coming in from the garden.

I told a friend I was writing. She gave me her second-hand computer giving me the ability to have internet access, etc. I looked into publishing. Another friend gave me a book about print-on-demand publishing. God provided the resources to publish one Christmas and the next day a print-on-demand publishing company called. God’s perfect timing – one step at a time.

The entire writing experience has been a gift from God. I had been diagnosed with an illness in 1990 that left me with brain fog, making it difficult to form a sentence. When I started writing, it came out in rhyme. Being a writer/author wasn’t something planned. Writing has been healing, taking all my broken pieces and making a whole. Romans 8:28

I had researched publishers for a writer friend. At that time WestBow caught my attention. I wrote the information on a little scrap piece of paper which was stored under the keyboard for a few years. When I needed another print-on-demand publisher, WestBow was contacted first. WestBow is very expedient and favorably priced. I do recommend to future authors that it’s advantageous to purchase a package that contains marketing, providing greater sales opportunities.

Life Is a Garden Party is a family read. Many of the stories are written as a riddle. An example of one of my gardening observations/spiritual applications pertains to my compost pile. As the compost pile will consume any vegetation, I call it “garbage mouth”. The spiritual application is “let your conversation be filled with grace” vs. garbage. One goal is to teach others to see God’s principles taught in the Bible through their surroundings.

Through this journey I have learned that many people believe in the Creator but not in the Savior. My prayer is that spiritual children result. The blog states which countries have accessed my blog. Countries I have never heard of. May Jesus Christ be praised. I have also “met” people with like faith who are now spiritual mentors. Thank you, Lord. Love hearing from my readers. Their inflection is usually deeper than what I’m able to convey. As all of life is a learning experience, Life Is a Garden Party is growing my faith as well, often calling to mind God’s faithfulness.

WestBow Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books, are invited to do so by sending a message through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WestBowPress, by tweeting us @westbowpress, or by emailing kgray@ westbowpress.com. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider them. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar and punctuation accuracy; as well as for space.

From time to time in this space, WestBow Presspublishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. The following are the words of Maggie Jalufka Sova: “Precious Jewels.”Click here to receive a free publishing guide and to receive more information on self-publishing your book with WestBow Press.

As I began to write “Precious Jewels” a devotional book; the Lord began to show me how precious we each are. As an owner in the diamond jewelry industry, I have had the privilege to observe and assist clients in selecting that perfect diamond for their engagement or choosing another precious jewel for another special occasion. The experience of each person or couple is mesmerizing. In that particular period, that precious jewel symbolizes a sentimental moment and signifies a commitment and special treasure.

In choosing the unique and precious jewel you take into consideration many factors, the price, the quality, the look, and most importantly knowing that the precious jewel chosen signifies a lifetime of commitment! As I recall in my own personal life, those were very special moments when I had the pleasure to select some of my own precious jewels and cherish them especially the ones that were given to me.

In my writings the Lord began to show me the process, purity and beauty of precious jewels and how we as His children are similarly made in His eyes. We are His chosen precious and treasured jewels.

Yes, jewels and crowns are the adorning of a beauty queens, which we see as royalty. But, our flaws in character, the trials we endure mold us into His likeness. In the final process we, too, will sparkle and receive our crowns in eternity. As you journey, put the King first, pray for a serving heart to help a hurting world and make a difference.

Malachi 3:17says, “And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.” (Amplified Version)

You are a special treasure. The King has chosen you. May you experience His unconditional love and allow Him to embrace you in His loving arms to comfort you always. Discover these precious jewels of truth as you experience peace and joy. Never forget that you are unique and wonderfully made in His image. God makes no mistakes!

Use your talents and gifts to add brilliance in your journey of faith. Be radiant and let nothing hinder you. We begin as a gem in the rough until we are purified. We are being polished and smoothed into godly character. God is the master diamond and gem cutter. He refines us to become the following:

Jewels for their sparkling quality

Jewels for their price

Jewels for their beauty

We must see our royalty in God as we go through life, especially in our trials. Be an influence, leading other Diamonds2Destiny!

“The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown” (Zech. 9:16).

WestBow Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books, are invited to do so by sending a message through our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WestBowPress, by tweeting us @westbowpress, or by emailing kgray@ westbowpress.com. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider them. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar and punctuation accuracy; as well as for space.